The Cowboys have finally clicked into gear and produced a “defining” performance that may just be the “turning point” of their season.
It’s a different story for the reigning premiers, who edging closer to the toughest point of their season — the Origin period.
And speaking of Origin, Ricky Stuart believes one of his star forwards has all the ingredients for the brutal arena.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs have been declared “competition favourites” and the Dolphins continue to unearth some hidden gems.
Read on for all of the biggest talking points from Magic Round.
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HORSBURGH HAS ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR ORIGIN
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has thrown his support behind Corey Horsburgh as the calls grow louder for the fiery forward to make his State of Origin debut.
A few weeks ago Queensland legend Billy Moore singled Horsburgh out as a “special” player that’s got “Origin written all over him” and the 25-year-old showed that in Friday’s win over the Bulldogs.
Horsburgh finished the game with 148 running metres — the most of any forward on the field — as well as four tackle busts, a linebreak assist, an offload and 26 tackles with zero misses in 62 minutes.
He admitted after the game he’d “love” to pull on a Queensland jersey but he’s not getting ahead of himself.
Stuart, however, was asked if Horsburgh is ready for Origin and didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“Yep (he’s ready for origin),” he said.
“There’s a class footballer and there’s an Origin footballer — he’s got both.”
Horsburgh has been in red-hot form all season and Stuart said it’s come down to him having a “really good off-season.”
The coach was a little worried his comments might be “taken the wrong way” but he believes Horsburgh is in the “form of his career.”
“He’s been so consistent with his form,” Stuart said.
“It’s very easy to get excited after a win, sit here and be all cocky and happy — which I am — but I don’t want my comment to be taken the wrong way.
“He’s had a really good off-season, he was in a bit of rehab for a period but he could run.
“When his season has been inconsistent with his form it’s been because he’s been in rehab for most of the off-season.
“He’s had a really good off-season, he’s started the season (well), he’s been getting really good minutes — he could’ve played 80 tonight and probably could’ve played 80 last week — but I’ve got three middles on the bench.
“Corey Horsburgh’s form has been consistent and it’s the best form of his career. He’s a big part of our middle and helping us win games of footy. I don’t think anyone would see that as an over the top comment if they saw the game tonight. He was class.”
Raiders skipper Elliott Whitehead echoed his coach.
“He’s a quality player and like Ricky said he’s probably in the form of his career,” he said.
“Hopefully he can keep that form and hopefully he gets selected for Origin because he deserves it at the moment.”
Horsburgh is a Caboolture product that joined the Raiders in 2018. The 25-year-old has played 69 NRL games since making his debut in 2019.
He started the season on the bench but was promoted to the starting side in Round 6, punching out 71 minutes in that game and backing it up with a 70-minute effort and 71-minute effort in the weeks following.
Green Machine clinch Magic Rd opener | 03:03
WALSH’S ORIGIN BID CONTINUES
Reece Walsh has been electric in his first nine appearances for the Broncos and his form has caught the eye of Maroons coach Billy Slater.
The 20-year-old has scored four tries and assisted a staggering 13 four-pointers to go with eight linebreaks and 15 linebreak assists.
At only 18, Walsh was in line to make his Origin debut for he suffered a hamstring injury which ruled him out.
Now the gun fullback is locked in a battle with incumbent Kalyn Ponga for the No.1 jersey and Slater has a huge headache on his hands.
Ponga delivered a matchwinning performance in the series decider in 2022 and that display could see him remain at fullback according to rugby league legend Corey Parker.
“Reece is in terrific form, there’s no two ways about it,” Parker said.
“I thought last week was his quietest game of the season to be fair. He only had a couple of runs in a game we were all on the edge of our seats for the match-up with Latrell.
“He redeemed himself this evening. He’s still very young in terms of his NRL career and what he’s doing.
“I’ve got no doubt whatsoever Reece Walsh will play for QLD if it’s not this series. I just don’t see how he dislodges Kalyn Ponga after Ponga’s performance last year in Game 3 where he was man of the match and won QLD the game.”
Ponga was sidelined for several weeks after an ugly head knock in the Knights’ Round 2 clash against the Tigers.
Newcastle’s marquee man travelled to Canada for neurological testing which yielded positive results and Ponga returned in Round 8.
Question marks have been raised about Ponga’s ability to play at fullback at Origin level after making a switch to five-eighth under Adam O’Brien.
But Parker once again emphasised Queensland’s loyal selection mentality.
“I thought he’d (Ponga) be given every opportunity to take his place again in the team,” Parker said.
“No doubt Reece will be in the squad, but he’s not a player you put at 14 because Harry Grant stays in that position.”
“He’s in a really good spot at the moment and hearing Reece talk post-game, he is a real student of the game.
“He watches a lot of football, watches a lot of video analysis on his own game and other people’s games which is terrific because the role that he has for the Broncos is crucial.”
Eight-time NSW hooker Michael Ennis also revealed Slater could have a trump card up his sleeve if Ben Hunt or Harry Grant suffer an injury.
While the dummy-half duo will wear the No.9 and No.14 jerseys, Walsh could be the next utility in line.
“QLD have a luxury at the moment in their spine. The fact is that Ben Hunt or Harry Grant have been so good together,” Ennis said.
“There’s still a couple of weeks to go so if anything happens to Hunt or Grant, I think Reece does become the 14. He’s the next in line.
“When you’ve got Ben Hunt there who has the ability to play multiple positions, and plays multiple positions better than most blokes starting in that position.
“Munster, DCE, Ponga, they are proven and love playing together at that level so it’ll be tough for Reece Walsh to get in unless there’s an opportunity.
“The fact that Billy brought him in a year or two ago, means he’s on the radar.”
“He’ll go into camp, but barring injury, I don’t see how he takes Ponga’s place,” Parker added.
Reece Walsh explains pre game throw up | 03:11
DOLPHINS UNCOVERING NRL GEMS
Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins now sit with six wins and four losses, belting the Sharks 36-16 in Magic Round.
Cronulla were heavy favourites coming into the clash, but Bennett’s rag-tag NRL newcomers came up trumps with a scintillating display, holding a 30-0 lead after 33 minutes.
Prior to their entry into the competition, criticism was levelled against the Dolphins’ recruitment after they failed to land a marquee star.
Bennett and recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan remained steadfast they wouldn’t pay overs for any player, no matter their stance in the game.
The Dolphins missed out on a long list of names, including Cameron Munster and Reece Walsh, instead slowly signing players on the fringes of their respective teams along with veteran forwards Kenny Bromwich, Jesse Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi.
During the Dolphins’ Magic Round display, one thing became clear — Bennett has an eye for talent.
Hooker Jeremy Marshall-King has been excellent in his short Dolphins career after Bulldogs bosses signed Reed Mahoney as his replacement.
While the 27-year-old was in fine form for the Canterbury club in 2022, he has taken his game to a new level under Bennett and orchestrated the first try of the night on Saturday.
“Seven try assists for Marshall-King, 11 tries they have been able to score through that middle third, the best in the competition,” Parker said.
“It is quite a feat for a man who was replaced by Reed Mahoney at the Bulldogs, Wayne saw something in him and gave him an opportunity.
“He has been electric out of dummy-half.”
Jamayne Isaako, who departed the Broncos for the Titans in a mid-season switch last year, was unwanted in the Gold Coast and has been one of the NRL’s in-form wingers.
Connelly Lemuelu managed only 24 games across three seasons at the Cowboys.
The 24-year-old has been excellent in the back row under Bennett, scoring three tries and not missing a minute since Round 3.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has also scored 10 tries in 10 appearances, returning to his form which earned the flying fullback a Queensland jersey in 2021.
He also found himself playing off the bench under Todd Payten, with Scott Drinkwater claiming the fullback spot.
Commentator Dan Ginnane also highlighted Euan Aitken’s return to form after he sparked the Dolphins’ second try.
“The wonderful stories of second chances and resurrections,” Ginnane said.
“Stories like Isaako, he has had a wonderful season. Players that have grown here Connelly Lemuelu.
“But none more so than Euan Aitken, he has once again become the player that many thought he was in his early days at the Dragons when he was knocking on the door of Origin selection.”
Why we play – Wholesome debut scenes! | 02:29
SQUAD SOLIDARITY ROCKETS SOUTHS TO TITLE FAVOURITISM
South Sydney have beaten the Panthers, Broncos and Storm in three consecutive weeks to cap a five-game winning streak that has rocketed them into title favouritism.
The Rabbitohs’ 28-12 win over the Storm, who they have historically struggled to challenge, showed have far this team has come.
Interestingly, Souths didn’t make any signings from last season, but they are starting to reap the benefits of keeping the bulk of their squad together for a long period of time and it has put the competition on notice.
Greg Alexander believes Souths had a tough start with fixtures, but some tight contests steeled them for the success they are now enjoying.
“I was a bit surprised by the start that they had, but they had a very difficult start,” Alexander said.
“They played some of the big teams, went down narrowly to a couple of them… pre-season, my grand final was Souths and Penrith.
“One of the reasons I thought Souths were going to improve even though they didn’t add anyone to their roster, was the improvement in the individuals.
“Lachlan Ilias, (Keaon) Koloamatangi, Campbell Graham. Lachy Ilias is a better player than he was last year.
“Koloamatangi is a better player, Campbell Graham is a better player… they’ve improved their side even though they didn’t bring players into their roster.
“Improvements around those players just make their best players even better. Tatola another year under his belt.
“I think they have got the ingredients to be a grand final team.”
Cooper Cronk believes Souths have leapfrogged the Panthers and the Broncos into title favouritism after beating the calibre of opposition they have in the last three weeks on the back of their defence.
“They are competition favourites right now,” Cronk said.
“The Broncos are on top two points clear after their win in Magic Round, but what South Sydney have done in their five match winning streak has been outstanding.
“They have been dominating teams on the scoreboard. They have been able to hold in contests. They have been able to fight back. But against the Storm defensively they were so strong.
“Their left side was electric with five tries down that side. It was three in the second half and two to Johnston.
“But the goal line defence and the ability to repeatedly repel the Melbourne Storm. It was four linebreaks to nil. That’s how good South Sydney defended.
“Both the tries Melbourne Storm scored came form a kick and dummyhalf. Defensively Souths were very strong.”
Cronk believes Souths are always going to get brilliance out of their stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, but it is their pack that is dominating to give their playmakers the chance to shine.
“When South Sydney win Cody Walker is the headline maker,” Cronk said.
“He had a try and two try assists. Latrell Mitchell again not many runs, but two try assists. He impacts the scoreboard every time he plays.
“But it is about time we start wrapping up the South Sydney forward pack. They were so strong. They were committed. They were all working together in unison.
“They are just rock solid through the middle third and it allows the likes of Damien Cook, Cody and Latrell to do their thing.
“I thought Jai Arrow was great, Tatola, Burgess. They were all terrific and they had a really strong overall performance.”
Mitchell magic steers Souths to victory | 02:17
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PANTHERS PHYSICALLY DRAINED AS TEAMS HUNT DEFENDING PREMIERS
They say defending a premiership is the hardest thing to do in rugby league, but the Panthers are finding out just how hard it is to defend back-to-back titles.
Penrith are up against it to achieve a rare three-peat because every week they get maximum effort from their opposition and it is draining their players physically and mentally.
The Warriors gave it absolutely everything in Magic Round with Nathan Cleary calling Penrith’s 18-6 win his side’s hardest game all year.
Greg Alexander believes the Panthers have a huge challenge to get their team ready for the physical onslaught each and every week.
“I think the Panthers were physically drained again,” Alexander said.
“They came off the field against Newcastle and said they hadn’t played a tougher game than that one.
“Cooper Cronk you know plenty about being defending premiers and what opposition sides do. They have got to be physical right from the start if they are going to beat the defending premiers.
“That’s what Penrith are facing at the moment. Sides are coming out and ripping in.
“This was a great game of footy because the Warriors are a good side this year. We are in the 10th round now and the Warriors have not let themselves down all year in terms of their effort, how smart they play.
“They do the things that need to be done to win football games. I thought the opening was a classic, great footy, big hits and big defence.”
The Panthers next face the Roosters and the Broncos before the tough Origin period, with a number of their players expected to play for the Blues.
Alexander believes the Panthers have been crying out for reinforcements in their pack.
“It is a tough period,” Alexander said.
“They got Spencer Leniu and James Fisher-Harris back today, so they will be better for the run.
“Liam Martin is still to return and he is a week to week proposition. He could be back next week or it could be the week after.”
However, Cooper Cronk believes the Panthers don’t need to win the minor premiership and should aim to peak at the pointy end of the season and get their players healthy and fresh for a September charge.
“The thing about Penrith trying to win three premierships in a row, what they do now isn’t really going to determine what happens,” Cronk said.
“I think they have got to have their best players available and healthy and they have got to get through Origin.
“They know how to play. Still the best defensive team in our competition. If they can have their best players healthy and their energy high, they don’t need to be minor premiers.
“They could win this from anywhere. That’s the key for Ivan Cleary and his men to have a healthy list and have them energetic enough to do it all over again.
“If they are going to win they are going to have to put two months of good football together against the best teams.”
Mal Meninga believes Ivan Cleary will need to plan to rest players and prioritise the 80 minutes each weekend rather than the training during the week.
“He has to work on the workload of the players,” Meninga said.
“Physically they are drained after the Warriors game again.
“Ivan and his staff do a fantastic job and it is around their workload and how much he gets out of them each week for the games.
“It is basically about the games. Preparation is important, but it is about what you do through the week to get you up for game day.”
Panthers pounce on Warriors to claim win | 02:09
‘TURNING POINT’ FOR COWBOYS AFTER PAYTEN’S CHALLENGE
Braith Anasta believes the Cowboys’ 20-6 win over the Roosters “could be a defining moment” and a “turning point” for the side that had only managed three wins prior to that game.
The Cowboys sat 16th heading into Magic Round and looked a shadow of the side that went within a try of the grand final last season.
Adding even more pressure was the fact they copped a 44-6 shellacking from the Sharks in Round 9.
But they adapted to the wet conditions better than the Roosters and had control of the game for the entire 80 minutes.
Greg Alexander believes the Cowboys must have had an honest conversation following the Sharks loss to turn it around in a week.
“I think they’ve all had a bit of an honesty check throughout the week,” he said.
“When a side hits its lowest point — and I think it was the Sharks last week, they were dreadful against them — there must have been a fair bit of chat up in Townsville with a couple of their key men.”
Cowboys coach Todd Payten shrugged off the suggestion they specifically had an ‘honesty session’ in his post-game press conference but did reveal he “challenged” his side.
“Bit of an understatement, it was a tough week,” Payten conceded.
“I challenged our players, I challenged our character off the back of last weekend. I said this month is going to be character-revealing and I like what I saw (in) every minute of training and the same as that contest then.
“Off the back of last week I thought we got punched in the face a couple of times and we just didn’t do anything about it.
“As a coach I can cop losing if we’re in the contest fighting hard, but I just thought with 20 minutes to go we were just trying to get through the game. It was a different team there tonight.”
Skipper Chad Townsend — who was one of the Cowboys’ best — stressed how important it was for the side to answer Payten’s challenge.
“As a player when your character gets challenged and your team gets challenged it’s not a good feeling and you want to respond to that,” he said.
It was the Cowboys’ most complete performance of the season and Michael Ennis believes that could have something to do with the team coming together.
“I feel like watching the Cowboys this year, a number of those young guys had breakout seasons, made representative teams and went on the World Cup,” he said.
“I know there’s been a lot of talk about the shortened pre-season but there’s been a lot of players that went on that World Cup that have come back in great form.
“I think maybe they’ve had their eyes just a little focused on themselves rather than the team, looking towards playing Origin and other individual achievements that come throughout the year.
“It looked like today they brought their focus back to what the team needed, they competed hard for each other and every single one of them improved today.”
